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| What to do? What to do? |
An employee was asked to attend weekly two hour professional development workshops. Her response was “I cannot attend because I have four children and I must go home." I reminded her that these workshops are a part of her job requirements, and important information such as; state guidelines including vital demonstrations on how to introduce cognitive development through arts and crafts. Again she rejected the request for her workshop attendance.
I asked her if she felt it was fair to the other staff who are attending that also have children and other legitimate reasons for not attending the workshops. She responded, " I cannot attend." I told her since this is a job requirement you will have to make a decision to attend the workshop or resign. The employee said “Friday will be my last day."
As I review the different strategies, perhaps I could have used the cooperative type of strategy. Perhaps I could have offered child care for her, or allowed her to attend every other week. This was a difficult decision, and I could not think of a solution. When I conferred with my colleagues their position was, it is in her job description, and she should have to comply with the rules.
Sauda,
ReplyDeleteIt is not the responsibility of the employer to provide childcare for the employee to fulfill their requirements. As an employee, she acted inappropriately and should have asked you if there were any way she could have another day or even if there could be childcare for that session.
Sauda,
ReplyDeleteI think you are right to re-think your decision about giving this employee an ultimatum. In a time of economic difficulty, it takes a strong person to offer to help someone do whatever it takes so they won't lose their job. I hope this "re-think" helps you in the future. Treating others the way you want to be treated certainly applies here.
Sauda,
ReplyDeleteI think your communication style was very effective and demonstrated the 3R's. You did not become angry and simply clearly stated the facts. I know it is hard to not second guess yourself in those situations but I think it worked out the way it was meant to. Maybe she was looking for a reason to resign? I know in my recent job that I was desperately seeking a way out that would not make me simply look like a quitter. Best of luck to you in future situations similar to this one!
Sauda,
ReplyDeleteI have been in this situation before and it is so hard to be a supervisor and have employees receive the training that they are required to have in order to work in a child care center. It is so hard to make the decision that you had to make. I think that this was her way out. At my center our staff are required to stay in school and continue their education. If they do not continue to stay in school then they will sign a paper saying that they understand that after this year they will be required to resign without educational credits from a technical college or institution.